Join Lees-McRae College in celebrating spring’s return to the mountains during the eighth annual Appalachian Heritage Week April 9–13. Sponsored by the Stephenson Center for Appalachia, the College will highlight coal mining and other unique aspects of mountain heritage throughout the week.

Two incoming fall 2018 students, Emily Griffith of Connelly Springs, North Carolina, and Lucas Price of Hudson, North Carolina, were named beneficiaries of the celebrated, full-tuition Elizabeth McRae Scholarship.

Following a detailed and lengthy submission to the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, junior Wildlife Rehabilitation student, Tariana Nguyen, was recently awarded a $5,000 grant to purchase new equipment for the Dan and Dianne May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s surgical suite and classroom.

Outdoor Legend in residence and newest member to the Outdoor Recreation Management team Aram Attarian has seen it all on the beaten trail. Originally from Southeast Pennsylvania, Attarian arrived in the High Country to receive his master’s degree at Appalachian State University before pursuing his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon.

What makes Blowing Rock historic and unique? Does the area convey a sense of place? Local professor and historian Trent Margrif will answer these questions in his presentation Blowing Rock: A Sense of Place on Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium as part of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia series.